What is Semglee?

What is Semglee?

A Pet Parent's Guide

What is a Biologic Drug?

Biological medicines (biologics) contain active substances from a biologic source, such as a living organism or its cells. They are used to treat many diseases and conditions including anemia, diabetes, psoriasis, and even some forms of cancer.

Biologic drugs are generally a lot larger and more complex than chemically produced pharmaceutical drugs. One well-known example of a biologic drug is insulin.

What Is A Biosimilar?

A biosimilar is a drug that has been shown to be highly similar to a biologic drug that has already been authorized for sale.

Biosimilars are approved based on a thorough comparison to reference biologic drugs. Biosimilar drugs may enter the market after the expiration of the reference drug's patent protection.

What is Semglee?

Semglee is a long-acting insulin analog biosimilar approved for insulin glargine (Lantus). It is often used to treat patients with diabetes. Semglee has been proven to be as safe and effective as Lantus while providing the same health outcome in humans.

We expect that it will have similar health outcomes in animals, but this has yet to be proven. It is still important to be aware that individual patient variation can occur.

Semglee's Side Effects

Adverse side effects with Semglee are similar to those observed with all other insulin products. Clients should watch for signs of hypoglycemia, including:

loss of appetite extreme lethargy lack of coordiation weakness seizures

Differences Between Biosimilar & Generic Drugs

Biosimilars are not the same as generic drugs. Generic drugs are small molecules that are chemically synthesized and contain identical medicinal ingredients to their brand name reference products.

Due to the size, complexity, and natural variability of biologic drugs ? and due to the fact they are made in living cells rather than chemicals ? a biosimilar and its reference biologic drug can be shown as similar, but not identical.

Food and Water Consumption

You should monitor your pet's food and water consumption on a daily basis. If the amount changes significantly, please contact your veterinarian. An easy yet effective way to check if your pet's food and water consumption varies is to keep a log. You can bring the log to your appointment and provide your vet with more data. Be sure to keep track of your pet's baseline food and water intake as well.

Blood Glucose Levels

Blood glucose levels should be monitored throughout the first week of initiation and spot-checked twice a month to ensure that the medication is working properly.

VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL

Large Animal Clinic

Emergency, specialty, and primary care for horses and farm animals 1102 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana (217) 333-2000

Small Animal Clinic

Emergency and specialty services for small companion animals 1008 W. Hazelwood Drive, Urbana (217) 333-5300

South Clinic

Health and wellness care for dogs, cats, and zoological pets 2100 Goodwin Avenue, Urbana (217) 244-2555

Midwest Equine

Equine-only practice that provides equine veterinary and farrier services 20844 Cumberland Road, Farmer City (309) 928-2127

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